Earl W. McKinnis

Katherine and Earl McKinnis, 1952

(August 14, 1920 - February 16, 1983)

Johnny & Margaret Thon Files

February, 1983

Earl W. McKinnis

Thon book No. 6

Graveside services for Earl W. McKinnis, former Lusk resident and businessman, was held at the Fairview Cemetery in Coffeyville, Kansas February 19. Pastor Arnold Twenhafel officiated with the Ford-Wulf-Bruns Funeral Service in charge of arrangements. Military graveside service was conducted by the V.F.W. Post # 1022, Coffeyville.

Mr. McKinnis died near Mt. Vernon, MO., February 16.. He was born August 14, 1920, at Lusk, the son of Lynn and Madge McKinnis. He and Katherine Frosheiser were married on May 23, 1952 at Torrington.

In June 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Army with service in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was discharged in December 1945.

Following his discharge he owned and operated, with his partner Lawrence Doman, the D. & M. Electric of Lusk until 1954. In 1956 he purchased the W. P. Farrell wholesale candy and tobacco company in Lusk, moving the business to Newcastle and operating from that location until December 1981. At that time, he sold his business to Ledbetters of Scottsbluff and Northeastern Wyoming Wholesale of Sheridan.

In November 1982 he moved with his wife and mother to Coffeyville, Kan., residing there at the time of his death.

He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Coffeyville and Weiten-Dupes Post No. 4 American Legion of Lusk.

Survivors include his mother, Madge; wife Katherine and children, Michael McKinnis of Chicago, Ill., and Mary Le LaCheur of Coffeyville, and grandchildren Aaron and Erica.